Meaning: 'Appeared' means to come into sight or to become known, indicating that Buddhism was recognized in China during that time.

Wrong options:

• entered: Entered implies a physical movement into a place, which does not fit the context of Buddhism becoming known in China; it suggests a more active process than what is intended here.
• escaped: Escaped suggests a fleeing or getting away from something, which is not relevant to the introduction of a religion.
• discovered: Discovered implies finding something that was hidden or unknown, which does not accurately reflect the context of Buddhism being recognized in China.

Correct answer: hold

Explanation: The word 'hold' is appropriate as it conveys the idea of gaining influence or control over the Chinese people, fitting the context of the sentence. It is also a noun that aligns with the preceding verb structure.

Meaning: 'Hold' refers to a firm grip or control, indicating that Buddhism began to have a significant influence on the Chinese population.

Wrong options:

• grip: Grip is a synonym for hold but is less commonly used in this context and does not fit the formal tone of the passage.
• attention: Attention refers to the act of focusing on something, which does not convey the idea of influence or control over a group of people.
• attentiveness: Attentiveness implies a state of being alert or focused, which does not fit the context of Buddhism's influence.

Correct answer: bitterly

Explanation: The adverb 'bitterly' fits well as it describes the intensity of the opposition faced by Buddhism, aligning with the emotional tone of the sentence. It modifies the verb 'opposed' effectively, indicating a strong resistance.

Meaning: 'Bitterly' means with deep anger or resentment, suggesting that the opposition from Taoists was very intense and hostile.

Wrong options:

• intellectually: Intellectually suggests a rational or logical opposition, which does not capture the emotional intensity implied in the context.
• finally: Finally indicates a conclusion or end point, which does not fit the context of describing opposition.
• initially: Initially suggests a beginning phase, which does not accurately describe the ongoing nature of the opposition.

Correct answer: jewel

Explanation: The word 'jewel' fits contextually as it symbolizes something precious taken from one religion by another, aligning with the metaphorical language of the sentence. It also matches the tone of the passage, which discusses the value of religious elements.

Meaning: 'Jewel' refers to a precious stone, symbolizing something valuable that can be taken or borrowed, fitting the metaphor used in the sentence.

Wrong options:

• rock: Rock is too generic and does not convey the idea of value or preciousness that 'jewel' does.
• gold: Gold, while valuable, does not fit the metaphor as well as 'jewel' in the context of religious features being borrowed.
• base: Base implies something of low quality or value, which contradicts the idea of taking something valuable from another.

Correct answer: distinguish

Explanation: The verb 'distinguish' is appropriate as it indicates the ability to recognize differences between the two religions, fitting the context of the sentence. It aligns with the idea of expertise required to tell them apart.

Meaning: 'Distinguish' means to recognize or point out differences, indicating the challenge of identifying the unique aspects of each religion.

Wrong options:

• choose: Choose implies making a selection, which does not fit the context of recognizing differences between the two religions.
• go: Go does not convey any relevant meaning in this context and does not relate to the act of recognizing or differentiating.
• share: Share suggests a communal aspect, which does not align with the idea of recognizing differences.